Nikon COOLPIX A User manual

DIGITAL CAMERA
En
Reference Manual

ii
Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in
bold.
Memory Cards
SD and SDHC/SDXC memory cards are referred to as “memory cards” in this manual.
Camera Settings
The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used.
Help
Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics.
See page 12 for details.
AFor Your Safety
Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in
“For Your Safety” (0vi–viii).

iii
Where to Find It
Find what you’re looking for from:
The Table of Contents.............................................................. 0xiii
For Your Safety......................................................................... 0vi
Menu Options .......................................................................... 016
The Index.................................................................................. 0253
Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 0238
Error Messages ........................................................................ 0242
i
i
i
i
i
i
XIntroduction 01
sBasic Photography 027
yRecording and Viewing Movies 038
#P, S, A, and MModes 052
$User Settings: U1 and U2 Modes 060
kRelease Mode 063
dImage Quality and Size 069
NFocus 074
SISO Sensitivity 081
ZExposure 085
rWhite Balance 089
JImage Enhancement 099
lFlash Photography 0112
tOther Shooting Options 0121
IMore on Playback 0132
QConnections 0154
UCamera Menus 0172
nTechnical Notes 0226

iv
Follow these steps for a quick start with the COOLPIX A. For safety
precautions, see “For Your Safety” (0vi).
1Attach the camera strap.
Attach the strap securely to the camera eyelets.
2Charge the battery (020).
3Insert the battery and a memory card (021, 23).
Quick Start Guide
Battery
charging
Charging
complete
Plug charger in
Insert battery
Rear
Memory card slot

v
4Turn the camera on (02).
When using the camera for the
first time, you will be
prompted to choose a
language and set the camera
clock (025).
5Rotate the focus mode
selector to t(autofocus;
075).
6Frame the
photograph (029).
7Focus and shoot (030).
The focus area will light green
when the focus operation is
complete.
8View the photograph
(033).
Focus mode selector
Kbutton

vi
For Your Safety
To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others,
read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this
equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the
product will read them.
❚❚ WARNINGS
ATurn off in the event of malfunction
Should you notice smoke or an
unusual smell coming from the
camera or battery charger, unplug
the battery charger and remove
the battery immediately, taking
care to avoid burns. Continued
operation could result in injury.
After removing or disconnecting
the power source, take the
equipment to a Nikon-authorized
service representative for
inspection.
ADo not disassemble
Touching the internal parts of the
camera or battery charger could
result in injury. Repairs should be
performed only by qualified
technicians. Should the camera or
battery charger break open as the
result of a fall or other accident,
take the product to a Nikon-
authorized service representative
for inspection, after unplugging
the product and/or removing the
battery.
ADo not use the camera or battery charger
in the presence of flammable gas
Using the camera in the presence
of flammable gases such as
propane and gasoline, as well as
flammable sprays or dust could
result in explosion or fire.
AHandle the camera strap with care
Never place the strap around the
neck of an infant or child.
AKeep out of reach of children
Do not keep the products within
reach of children. Doing so may
cause injury. Particular care should
be taken to prevent infants from
putting the battery or other small
parts into their mouths.
ADo not remain in contact with the
camera, battery charger, orACadapterfor
extended periods while the devices are
on or in use
Parts of the devices become hot.
Leaving the devices in direct
contact with the skin for extended
periods may result in low-
temperature burns.
AThis icon marks warnings, information that should be read before
using this Nikon product, to prevent possible injury.

vii
AStore out of direct sunlight
When the camera is not in use,
turn it off to close the lens cover
and store it out of direct sunlight.
Light focused by the lens could
cause fire.
AObserve caution when handling the
battery
The battery may leak, overheat, or
explode if improperly handled.
Observe the following precautions
when handling the battery for use
in this product:
•Before replacing the battery, turn
the product off.
•The camera takes EN-EL20
rechargeable Li-ion batteries
only (supplied), which must be
charged using the supplied
MH-27 battery charger. The
optional ML-L3 remote control
uses 3 V CR2025 batteries only.
•When inserting the battery, do
not attempt to insert it upside
down or backwards.
•Do not short or disassemble the
battery or attempt to remove or
break the battery insulation or
casing.
•Do not expose the battery to
flame or to excessive heat.
•Do not immerse in or expose to
water.
•Replace the terminal cover when
transporting the battery. Do not
transport or store with metal
objects such as necklaces or
hairpins.
•The battery is prone to leakage
when fully discharged. To avoid
damage to the product, be sure
to remove the battery when no
charge remains.
•Discontinue use immediately
should you notice any change in
the battery, such as discoloration
or deformation.
•If liquid from the damaged
battery comes in contact with
clothing or skin, rinse
immediately with plenty of
water.
•If leaked battery fluid gets into
your eyes, rinse them out
immediately with clean running
water and get medical
treatment.
•Do not attempt to charge non-
rechargeable batteries.
AObserve the following precautions when
handling the battery charger
•Keep dry. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in fire or
electric shock.
•Dust on or near the metal parts
of the plug should be removed
with a dry cloth. Continued use
could result in fire.
•Do not handle the plug or go
near the battery charger during
lightning storms. Failure to
observe this precaution could
result in electric shock.
•Do not handle the plug or
battery charger with wet hands.
Failure to observe this
precaution could result in
electric shock.

viii
•Do not use with travel converters
or adapters designed to convert
from one voltage to another or
with DC-to-AC inverters. Failure
to observe this precaution could
damage the product or cause
overheating or fire.
AUse appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the
input and output jacks, use only
the cables provided or sold by
Nikon for the purpose, to maintain
compliance with product
regulations.
AHandle moving parts with care
Be careful that your fingers or
other objects are not pinched by
the lens cover or other moving
parts.
ACD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs included with this
device should not be played back
on audio CD equipment. Playing
CD-ROMs on an audio CD player
could cause hearing loss or
damage the equipment.
AObserve caution when using the flash
Using the flash close to your
subject’s eyes could cause
temporary visual impairment.
Particular care should be observed
if photographing infants, when
the flash should be no less than
1 m (3 ft 4 in.) from the subject.
ADo not aim a flash at the operator of a
motor vehicle
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in accidents.
ADo not operate the flash with the flash
window touching a person or object
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in burns or fire.
AAvoid contact with liquid crystal
Should the monitor break, care
should be taken to avoid injury
caused by broken glass and to
prevent liquid crystal from the
monitor touching the skin or
entering the eyes or mouth.
AFollow the directions of airline and
hospital personnel
Remove Eye-Fi cards from the
camera before boarding an
aircraft, and turn the product off
during takeoff and landing or
when so directed by airline or
hospital staff. Radio waves emitted
by the device could interfere with
aircraft navigation or hospital
medical equipment.

ix
Notices
• No part of the manuals included with
this product may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into
any language in any form, by any
means, without Nikon’s prior written
permission.
• Nikon reserves the right to change the
specifications of the hardware and
software described in these manuals
at any time and without prior notice.
•Nikon will not be held liable for any
damages resulting from the use of
this product.
•While every effort has been made to
ensure that the information in these
manuals is accurate and complete,
we would appreciate it were you to
bring any errors or omissions to the
attention of the Nikon
representative in your area (address
provided separately).
Notice for Customers in Canada
CAUTION
This Class B digital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
Notices for Customers in Europe
This symbol indicates that
electrical and electronic
equipment is to be col-
lected separately.
The following apply only to
users in European countries:
•This product is designated for
separate collection at an appropriate
collection point.
Do not dispose of
as household waste.
• Separate collection and recycling
helps conserve natural resources and
prevent negative consequences for
human health and the environment
that might result from incorrect
disposal.
•For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in
charge of waste management.
This symbol on the battery
indicates that the battery is
to be collected separately.
The following apply only to
users in European countries:
•All batteries, whether marked with
this symbol or not, are designated
for separate collection at an
appropriate collection point.
Do not
dispose of as household waste.
•For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in
charge of waste management.
CAUTION
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

x
Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are
designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation.
This
equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
•Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an
outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for help.
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the user be notified
that any changes or modifications
made to this device that are not
expressly approved by Nikon
Corporation may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or
provided by Nikon for your
equipment.
Using other interface
cables may exceed the limits of Class B
Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Notice for Customers in the State of California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product may expose you to lead, a
chemical known to the State of
California to cause birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Wash hands
after handling.
Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road,
Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A.
Tel.: [phone]
The Battery Charger
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS—SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter
of the proper configuration for the power outlet if needed.
This power unit
is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor mount position.
COOLPIX A

xi
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied
or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be
punishable by law.
•Items prohibited by law from being copied
or reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper
money, coins, securities, government
bonds, or local government bonds,
even if such copies or reproductions
are stamped “Sample.”
The copying or reproduction of
paper money, coins, or securities
which are circulated in a foreign
country is prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the
government has been obtained, the
copying or reproduction of unused
postage stamps or post cards issued
by the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of
stamps issued by the government
and of certified documents
stipulated by law is prohibited.
• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions
The government has issued cautions
on copies or reproductions of
securities issued by private
companies (shares, bills, checks, gift
certificates, etc.), commuter passes,
or coupon tickets, except when a
minimum of necessary copies are to
be provided for business use by a
company.
Also, do not copy or
reproduce passports issued by the
government, licenses issued by
public agencies and private groups,
ID cards, and tickets, such as passes
and meal coupons.
•Comply with copyright notices
The copying or reproduction of
copyrighted creative works such as
books, music, paintings, woodcuts,
prints, maps, drawings, movies, and
photographs is governed by
national and international copyright
laws.
Do not use this product for the
purpose of making illegal copies or
to infringe copyright laws.
Disposing of Data Storage Devices
Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other data
storage devices does not completely erase the original image data.
Deleted files
can sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially
available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image
data.
Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another
person, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device
and then (after disconnecting any optional GPS devices) completely refill it
with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty
sky).
Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset manual white
balance (094).
Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically
destroying data storage devices.

xii
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex
electronic circuitry.
Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including
chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon
specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to
operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic
circuitry.
The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage the
camera and may void your Nikon warranty.
The use of third-
party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon
holographic seal shown at right could interfere with normal
operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting,
rupturing, or leaking.
For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local
authorized Nikon dealer.
DUse Only Nikon Brand Accessories
Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your
Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational
and safety requirements.
THE USE OF NON-NIKON ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR
CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.
DServicing the Camera and Accessories
The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing.
Nikon
recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-
authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be
serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services).
Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is
used professionally.
Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as
lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected
or serviced.

xiii
Quick Start Guide...................................................................................iv
For Your Safety .......................................................................................vi
Notices.......................................................................................................ix
Introduction 1
Getting to Know the Camera .............................................................2
The Camera Body...............................................................................2
The Monitor..........................................................................................5
The Information Display..................................................................7
The Mode Dial .....................................................................................9
The Command Dial......................................................................... 10
Camera Menus: An Overview.......................................................... 12
Using Camera Menus..................................................................... 13
Menu Options ....................................................................................... 16
First Steps ............................................................................................... 20
Charge the Battery.......................................................................... 20
Insert the Battery............................................................................. 21
Insert a Memory Card .................................................................... 23
Basic Setup ........................................................................................ 25
Table of Contents

xiv
Basic Photography 27
Battery Level and Card Capacity .................................................... 27
“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (iMode).............................. 29
Basic Playback....................................................................................... 33
Deleting Unwanted Photographs .............................................34
Creative Photography (Scene Modes) ......................................... 35
kPortrait .......................................................................................35
lLandscape.................................................................................35
pChild ...........................................................................................35
mSports .........................................................................................36
nClose up.....................................................................................36
oNight Portrait...........................................................................36
rNight Landscape ....................................................................36
sParty/Indoor.............................................................................36
tBeach/Snow.............................................................................36
uSunset.........................................................................................36
vDusk/Dawn...............................................................................36
wPet Portrait ...............................................................................36
xCandlelight ................................................................................36
yBlossom......................................................................................36
zAutumn Colors ........................................................................36
0Food.............................................................................................37
1Silhouette .................................................................................37
2High Key ....................................................................................37
3Low Key .....................................................................................37
Recording and Viewing Movies 38
Recording Movies................................................................................ 38
The Movie Recording Display .....................................................41
Movie Settings..................................................................................43
Viewing Movies .................................................................................... 45
Editing Movies ...................................................................................... 47
Trimming Movies.............................................................................47
Saving Selected Frames ................................................................50

xv
P, S, A, and MModes 52
Shutter Speed and Aperture ........................................................... 52
P: Programmed Auto..................................................................... 53
S: Shutter-Priority Auto ................................................................ 54
A: Aperture-Priority Auto............................................................. 55
M: Manual........................................................................................... 56
User Settings: U1 and U2 Modes 60
Saving User Settings ...................................................................... 60
Recalling User Settings ................................................................. 62
Resetting User Settings................................................................. 62
Release Mode 63
Single-Frame, Continuous, Self-timer, Remote, and Movie
Modes .................................................................................................. 63
Self-Timer and Remote Control Modes....................................... 66
Image Quality and Size 69
Image Quality ................................................................................... 69
Image Size.......................................................................................... 72
Focus 74
Autofocus ............................................................................................... 75
Autofocus Mode.............................................................................. 75
AF-Area Mode .................................................................................. 76
Focus Lock ......................................................................................... 79
Manual Focus........................................................................................ 80
ISO Sensitivity 81
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ............................................................ 83

xvi
Exposure 85
Metering ................................................................................................. 85
Exposure Compensation................................................................... 87
White Balance 89
White Balance Options ...................................................................... 89
Fine-Tuning White Balance.............................................................. 92
Preset Manual ....................................................................................... 94
Image Enhancement 99
Picture Controls.................................................................................... 99
Selecting a Picture Control...........................................................99
Modifying Picture Controls ....................................................... 101
Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 106
Sharing Custom Picture Controls ...........................................109
Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows
(Active D-Lighting)........................................................................110
Flash Photography 112
Using the Built-in Flash....................................................................112
Flash Mode...................................................................................... 113
Flash Compensation.........................................................................116
FV Lock ..................................................................................................118
Other Shooting Options 121
Restoring Default Settings .............................................................121
Bracketing ............................................................................................123
Interval Timer Photography...........................................................127
Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................130

xvii
More on Playback 132
Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................132
Photo Information.............................................................................134
Thumbnail Playback .........................................................................140
Calendar Playback.............................................................................142
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................144
Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................146
Deleting Photographs .....................................................................148
Full-Frame, Thumbnail, and Calendar Playback ................148
The Playback Menu ......................................................................150
Connections 154
Using ViewNX 2..................................................................................154
Installing ViewNX 2 ......................................................................154
Copy Pictures to the Computer ...............................................156
View Pictures ..................................................................................158
Printing Photographs.......................................................................159
Connecting the Printer ...............................................................159
Printing Pictures One at a Time ...............................................161
Printing Multiple Pictures ..........................................................163
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set..................................166
Viewing Photographs on TV..........................................................169
HDMI Options.................................................................................171
Camera Menus 172
DThe Playback Menu: Managing Images ........................................172
Playback Folder.........................................................................173
Playback Display Options......................................................173
Image Review.............................................................................173
Rotate Tall ...................................................................................174
Slide Show...................................................................................174

xviii
CThe Shooting Menu: Shooting Options .........................................176
Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 176
Storage Folder........................................................................... 177
Color Space ................................................................................ 178
Long Exposure NR ................................................................... 179
High ISO NR................................................................................ 179
Built-in AF-assist Illuminator................................................ 180
Exposure Comp. for Flash .....................................................180
Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash ................................................. 181
Auto Bracketing Set ................................................................ 181
BThe Setup Menu: Camera Setup .......................................................182
Format Memory Card ............................................................. 183
Monitor Brightness.................................................................. 183
Photo Info ................................................................................... 184
Flicker Reduction...................................................................... 184
Time Zone and Date ...............................................................185
Language .................................................................................... 186
Image Comment ...................................................................... 186
Auto Image Rotation .............................................................. 187
Self-Timer.................................................................................... 188
Auto off Timer ...........................................................................189
Image Review Time ................................................................. 189
Remote on Duration (ML-L3) ............................................... 189
Beep .............................................................................................. 190
Shutter Sound ........................................................................... 190
File Number Sequence........................................................... 191
MF Distance Indicator Units................................................. 192
Reverse Indicators.................................................................... 192
Assign Fn1 Button.................................................................... 193
Assign J/Fn2 Button ............................................................. 194
Reverse Dial Rotation ............................................................. 194
Slot Empty Release Lock........................................................ 195
Eye-Fi Upload ............................................................................ 195
Firmware Version ..................................................................... 196

xix
NThe Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies..............................197
Creating Retouched Copies ......................................................198
D-Lighting...................................................................................200
Red-Eye Correction..................................................................201
Trim................................................................................................202
Monochrome .............................................................................203
Filter Effects ................................................................................203
Color Balance .............................................................................205
Image Overlay............................................................................206
NEF (RAW) Processing.............................................................209
Resize ............................................................................................211
Quick Retouch ...........................................................................213
Straighten....................................................................................213
Fisheye .........................................................................................213
Color Outline..............................................................................214
Color Sketch ...............................................................................214
Perspective Control .................................................................215
Miniature Effect.........................................................................216
Selective Color...........................................................................217
Side-by-Side Comparison......................................................219
mRecent Settings/OMy Menu ...................................................221
My Menu ..........................................................................................222
Technical Notes 226
Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)..............................................226
Other Accessories..............................................................................230
Caring for the Camera......................................................................232
Cleaning ...........................................................................................232
Storage..............................................................................................232
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................233
Caring for the Camera.................................................................233
Caring for the Battery ..................................................................234
The Charger.....................................................................................235
Available Settings..............................................................................236

xx
Troubleshooting ................................................................................238
Battery/Display.............................................................................. 238
Shooting (All Modes)................................................................... 238
Shooting (P, S, A, M) ................................................................... 240
Playback........................................................................................... 240
Miscellaneous ................................................................................ 241
Error Messages....................................................................................242
Specifications......................................................................................245
Approved Memory Cards ...............................................................251
Memory Card Capacity ....................................................................252
Index.......................................................................................................253